Full Breakdown
Disney Star David Henrie Highlights Growing Interest in Catholic Liturgy Among Gen Z
8/16/2026, 10:02:57 PM
Rising Attendance Among Young Catholics
David Henrie, known for his role on Disney Channel’s *Wizards of Waverly Place*, says he is witnessing “more and more young people” at Mass. He links this trend to a broader cultural shift, noting that Catholic leaders across the United States have reported sharp increases in adult converts. A recent Gallup poll supports the observation, finding that 42 % of young men now rate religion as “very important,” a 14-point rise from the previous year.
Henrie’s Personal Faith Journey
Henrie describes his own transition from a secular lifestyle to Catholicism as a response to “the world was completely empty.” “I've seen it coming. I was one of those people who was not living a Christian life and then suddenly found the world was completely empty and was searching for something other worldly,” — David Henrie He says this personal awakening informs his belief that today’s youth are “tired of the world” and seeking deeper meaning.
Appeal of Traditional Liturgy
Henrie argues that younger believers are drawn to the sensory and historical aspects of Catholic worship. “You know, I'm Catholic, I always say like, they want 'Lord of the Rings Catholicism,'” — David Henrie “You know, they want bells, smells, ancient expressions of the liturgy. That's where the young people are flocking right now. That's why you're seeing the Latin Mass booming.” — COUNTRY STAR TYLER HUBBARD
New Faith-Based Children’s Book
Building on his family life, Henrie is co-authoring a picture book titled *Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?* with his wife, Maria. Aimed at children ages 2-8, the book uses a question-and-answer format paired with Scripture references, encouraging parents to explore biblical themes with their kids. The book is slated for release in November.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've seen it coming. I was one of those people who was not living a Christian life and then suddenly found the world was completely empty and was searching for something other worldly,” — David Henrie
- “You know, I'm Catholic, I always say like, they want 'Lord of the Rings Catholicism,'” — David Henrie
- “You know, they want bells, smells, ancient expressions of the liturgy. That's where the young people are flocking right now. That's why you're seeing the Latin Mass booming.” — COUNTRY STAR TYLER HUBBARD
